How can I prevent atrial fibrillation?
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Dr. Douglas Severance answered:To help prevent the rapid, irregular heartbeat of atrial fibrillation, you can try to avoid, reduce or manage some risk factors that contribute to it, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar. For instance, try to slim down if you are overweight or obese. Monitor your blood pressure. If it's high, take the medication that your doctor prescribes to lower it; check your blood pressure regularly to make sure the drug is working as it should. If you have type 2 diabetes, make sure your blood glucose levels are controlled. If you have heart disease, work with your doctor to manage this problem, which can also lead to atrial fibrillation. And avoid alcohol and cigarettes, which may increase your chances of having abnormal heart rhythms as well.To help prevent the rapid, irregular heartbeat of atrial fibrillation, you can try to avoid, reduce or manage some risk factors that contribute to it, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar. For instance, try to slim down... More -
Dr. Jose Nazari of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:The best way to prevent atrial fibrillation is to prevent hypertension and treat it promptly if it occurs. Stay healthy, exercise regularly, and eat healthily.
The best way to prevent atrial fibrillation is to prevent hypertension and treat it promptly if it occurs. Stay healthy, exercise regularly, and eat healthily. More -
Dr. William D. Knopf of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:You may be able to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) by following a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to lower your risk of heart disease. These steps include:- Following a heart healthy diet that's low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. A healthy diet includes a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables daily
- Not smoking
- Getting physical activity regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
If you have heart disease or other AF risk factors, work with your doctor to control your condition and lower your risk of complications, such as AF.
In addition to following the healthy lifestyle steps above, which also can help control heart disease; your doctor may advise you to take one or more of the following steps:
- Follow the DASH eating plan to help lower your blood pressure
- Keep your cholesterol and triglycerides at healthy levels with dietary changes and/or medicines
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Control your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels if you have diabetes
- Get ongoing medical care and take your medicines as prescribed
You may be able to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) by following a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to lower your risk of heart disease. These steps include: Following a heart healthy diet that's low in saturated fat, trans fat, and... More
